Volkswagen ID. Buzz Gets GTX Treatment

Volkswagen reveals the new ID. Buzz GTX – a powered-up version of its flagship electric model featuring a series of subtle exterior and interior design upgrades, and a new dual-motor drivetrain with 355 hp, all-wheel-drive and larger-capacity batteries.

Part of a range of GTX-badged models revealed by VW in recent weeks, the new range-topping ID. Buzz will be sold exclusively in long-wheelbase body style in North America, starting in 2025. Pricing is yet to be revealed, though buyers should expect to pay a handsome premium over the 281-hp, single-motor rear-wheel-drive ID. Buzz, which is expected to begin at about $58,000 when sales begin later this year.

Distinguishing the GTX model from the standard ID. Buzz is a reworked front bumper with a high-gloss black honeycomb grille element and altered ducts at each side. There also are new-look daytime running lights in the shape of two triangles that form an arrowhead graphic, high-gloss black exterior mirror housings and IQ Light LED matrix headlamps as standard.

Inside (pictured, below), there’s a red cross-stitched steering wheel, seats featuring GTX upholstery and a black headliner.

Power comes from an upgraded electric drivetrain consisting of two electric motors, one on each axle. Until now, the ID. Buzz has only been produced with a single-motor, rear-wheel-drive layout with either 201 hp or 282 hp.

The rear motor of the ID. Buzz GTX is shared with the other ID. models, developing 282 hp and 413 lb.-ft. (560 Nm) of torque. The front motor contributes an additional 107 hp and 99 lb.-ft. (134 Nm). Together, they provide an overall system output of 355 hp, together with an as-yet unspecified amount of torque.

The battery also has been upgraded with greater energy capacity than earlier ID. Buzz models. Short-wheelbase models receive a new 79-kWh (useable) unit, with long-wheelbase models sold in North America fitted with a larger 86-kWh battery.

The former can be charged at up to 185 kW, while the latter charges at up to 200 kW on a DC charger.  

VW says the GTX can accelerate from 0-62 mph (100 km/h) in 6.5 seconds, with an electronically limited 99 mph (159 km/h) top speed.

The second motor and all-wheel drive considerably improve towing capacity. It increases from 2,204 lbs. (1,000 kg) with single-motor rear-wheel-drive to 3,527 lbs. (1,600 kg) for the long-wheelbase model bound for the U.S.